Scientists warn that human activity around the Dead Sea is threatening the existence of the famed Middle East salt lake.

Researchers from Tel Aviv and Hebrew universities say they have found through core samples that the Dead Sea nearly dried up due to a change in climate more than 100,000 years ago, then later recovered.

But they say the current decline is mainly due to water being taken for agriculture and other uses out of the Jordan River before it can replenish the sea.

The Dead Sea currently lies about 1,400 feet (426 metres) below sea level — the Earth’s lowest point on land.